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Dangerous Myths About Child Sex Crime Cases

While child sex crimes are dangerous and serious offences which can lead to serious punishments under the state and federal law, there is the need to understand what constitutes as a child sex crime and battle the common misconceptions surrounding it.

While the misconceptions surrounding a child sex crime may lead to the aggravated nature of the case, especially when persons lack clarity of the matter, below are some of the most common misconceptions about child sex crimes.

Myth #1: Child sex offenders are all men.

One of the most common misconceptions about child sex crimes is that all child sex offenders are men. This is untrue; child sex crimes can be committed by any adult, either male or female, on any minor who is believed to be below the age of consent. As a basis to shatter this misconception, a study carried out revealed that about 20 percent of all sex offenders against children are women.

Myth #2: Gay people abuse children more.

Homophobia has caused several persons to see gay people as being prone to abuse children more compared to heterosexual adults. This is a complete misconception and damaging to individuals who identify as gay. In fact, according to studies, most children are abused by heterosexual adults, even parents.

Myth #3: Most sexual abuse of children is from a stranger.

Another common misconception is that strangers are more likely to sexually abuse children. This is not totally true as family members gain more access and time with the underage children, thus creating an ample amount of time and contact between the adult and the victim. A study to dispel this misconception revealed that more than 90 percent of children who are sexually abused were abused by someone they know who may be a friend, family member, neighbor, or babysitter.

Myth #4: Children never lie about molestation.

This is an especially big misconception which has led several adults and young adults into jail. It is important to note that children may be forced to lie in some cases because they lack the perfect understanding of the severity of the allegations leveled. In some cases, a child may misinterpret facts, and as such accuse an adult of sex related crimes in a bid to get attention. In other cases, children are misled by a parent or guardian to tell lies about their supposed abuser.

Myth #5: Most abuse is violent in nature.

A common myth based on the news reports is that the most common form of child sex crimes are those which result in fatal injuries or those where extreme or mild force may have been used. While some child sex abuse crimes have been reported to involve violence, threat and force, not all of these criminal cases are forceful or forced

Myth #6: Child sex abuse happens most often at playgrounds and schools.

While most parents do well to protect their children from strangers, it is important to note that a stranger is less likely to attack your child as compared to a family member, baby sitter, school bullies or friends.

Myth #7: Sexual activity is allowed if a child gives consent.

A child is incapable of giving sexual consent because they are below the age of consent. This means that whatever consent was given by the child is null and void.